Synopsis

The British flagged container vessel Arctic Ocean collided with the Swedish fishing vessel Marie af Hövrik off the south eastern coast of Sweden. Arctic Ocean sustained very minor damage, however Marie af Hövrik was damaged to the extent she had to return to port. There were no injuries and there was no pollution as a result of the accident.

Action taken:

The Chief Inspector wrote to the owners of Arctic Ocean strongly advising them to:

Ensure a proper lookout is kept on their vessels at all times;

Ensure masters render such assistance as may be practicable and necessary to a vessel they are in collision with, and to stay by the other ship until he/she has ascertained they have no need of further assistance;

Ensure masters are aware of their obligations to report accidents such as a collision to the flag state and coastal authorities;

Ensure that any ARPA auto acquisition or alarm function is utilised to give the officer of the watch timely warning of a developing close-quarters situation.